Welcome to November! Otherwise known as cold and flu season. We spend A LOT of fall and the holiday season hiding indoors with our pumpkin spice lattes binging Netflix under our favorite blanket. Which is great for our mental health, but when it comes to the common cold, those Friends reruns will not prevent illness–no matter how many times you say, “I’m not sick, I’m fine-d!” If you’re planning ahead, below are six immune-boosting foods to keep on hand all winter long.
Garlic
Garlic’s immune-boosting powers come from its sulfur-containing compounds like allicin that are ideal for keeping our immune systems flu-ready.
Probiotics
Probiotics like yogurt, kombucha or supplements stimulate our immune systems, especially the “live and active” cultures. I love to give my immune system a double boost with probiotic-rich treats like adding them to my morning smoothie!
Citrus Fruits
Everyone knows that vitamin C is the go-to first defense for fighting a cold. Foods like oranges, grapefruits and lemons are a necessity for an immune-boosting diet. I swear by warm water with lemon in the mornings.
Coconut Oil (MCTs)
Multi-chain triglycerides like coconut oil or MCT oil have the ability to kill harmful bacteria. And, researchers even believe that coconut oil may help to fight viruses like the flu!
Mushrooms
Our bodies cannot naturally produce vitamin D and, in the winter, it’s harder to lay out to catch those rays. Mushrooms are actually one of the few foods that contain vitamin D naturally, so stock up!
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a rich source of plant-based zinc. If you’re used to taking a zinc supplement during flu season, try fortifying your diet with this superfood.
It’s time to get creative in the kitchen! How do you plan to stay healthy during this winter?
XOXO,
